We see marketing around us at nearly every hour of every day. Everything from movies to medication and even yogurt is competing for our attention every waking moment. With the constant barrage of items and services thrown in our face it can be easy to forget the most marketable thing of all time - us! While the end result may be beneficial in the form of relationships, job positions, and other social standings, it can feel weird to market ourselves. Fret not though, this writer (and Marketing Major from Mississippi State!) has your back. Here are a few things to keep in mind when showing the world your best self.
The Internet
While it may not seem like a big deal, the average About Town reader was born at a very unique time in history. We were around before the rise of the internet and the steady increase of social media sites that are now firmly implanted in our everyday lives. This means that we can apply our knowledge from the pre-internet days to the digital world. Lesson 1: marketing ourselves online. The photos and posts you share on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms aren’t just seen by your friends. Potential employers and people of influence can find them as well. Yes it’s fun to be on social media (most of the time), but it’s important to remember that these sites will be how future people in your life will first draw impressions about who you are. LinkedIn is the business equivalent of a job marketplace, so put even more effort into your profile on there if looking for employment. List your accomplishments, boast a little, and present your best self to the online world.
Presentation
How you present yourself is one of the very first things someone will use to form opinions about you (intentionally or not). Right or wrong, people do tend to judge a book by its cover - at least initially. How you dress, your cleanliness, your manners, and overall presentation of self all come together to tell those who cross paths with you a little about yourself. Just like a packaged toy or a new movie trailer, how we package ourselves helps good products (us!) to be seen.
Be Proactive
The late legend Tom Petty said it best. Sometimes you have to run down your dreams, because they were never going to come to you without a little effort. This logic holds true when it comes to marketing ourselves. Sometimes you have to take a chance to move forward in the direction you want to go. It can feel scary putting yourself out there, but the first step tends to be the hardest to take. When we do take those chances it allows us to grow and be seen by more people who will appreciate our talents and efforts.
Find Your Crowd
A major part of marketing is knowing the target audience for what you are trying to sell. Who is the most likely to engage with what you are offering? The same logic can be applied to ourselves. Whether you are looking to find a new workplace or expand your social network, it always helps to understand who is most likely to appreciate the greatness that is you.
The best part about marketing yourself? Nobody knows you like you, and there are plenty of people and jobs that could use someone just like you in their lives! Now get out there and make friends while influencing people.
Cover image from Andrea Piacquadio
